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Central Valley Legislators Developing Emergency Drought Legislation

Jan 22, 2014

Press Release

Joined by Speaker of the House John Boehner to Announce Proposal

Bakersfield, CA - Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21), Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), and Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-22) are developing emergency drought legislation to provide necessary water supplies throughout the state and the Central Valley. The three Congressmen were joined by Speaker of the House John Boehner Wednesday afternoon to announce their legislative proposal to provide immediate relief from the ongoing drought in California.

The legislative proposal incorporates three main actions:

Turning on the Delta pumps this year and next year to capture future rain events

Ending restoration flows in the San Joaquin River for this year and next year in order to stop wasting water

Establishing a bipartisan, emergency joint committee from the House and Senate to devise a long-term legislative solution

Congressman Valadao stated, “California is facing one of the worst droughts in history. Congress cannot make it rain, but they can provide relief from burdensome environmental regulations. Today I join Speaker John Boehner, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, and Congressman Devin Nunes in calling for emergency drought legislation that provides immediate relief for farmers, farm workers, and families in the Central Valley.”

Congressman McCarthy continued, “As we approach another drought year in the Central Valley, it is imperative that we take immediate action to provide water supplies to our local families, farmers, and small businesses. Restrictive environmental regulations reduce our supplies when water is available in wet years, but exacerbates the negative impacts during years of drought. At a time when we are in dire need of water, we must provide flexibility and allow water to flow around the state. Our legislation that is being developed would provide emergency drought relief for our state and our local communities.”

“The Senate’s rejection of all House initiatives to end the crisis has now resulted in an emergency situation throughout California. We hope senators will join us in taking action that will bring immediate relief and ultimately end this man-made crisis,” said Congressman Nunes.